Gaelectric starts work on its £34m Co Tyrone windfarms

Staff reporter

Preliminary work has started on two new county Tyrone windfarms with the turbines expected to be up and running operational in early 2016.

The renewable energy developments, which are costing Gaelectric in the region of £34m, are called Cregganconroe, which is being built near Pomeroy and Inishiative, near Sixmilecross, could power 14,000 homes.

A 13.8MW, six turbine Cregganconroe windfarm will be located outside the village of Pomeroy, while a 11.5MW five turbine Inishiative windfarm will be near Sixmilecross, outside Omagh.

Over 55 full and part time construction jobs have been created by the project and once operational, Cregganconroe will produce enough electricity for over 8,000 homes.

The Inishiative windfarm will provide green renewable power to over 6,500 homes.

Patrick McClughan, Head of Corporate Affairs for Gaelectric Developments Ltd, said: “The Cregganconroe and Inishiative windfarm developments are the latest in a portfolio of renewable energy projects that Gaelectric is progressing in Northern Ireland.

“The commencement of construction on both sites marks yet another milestone for our business and strengthens Gaelectric’s platform in the energy market.

“Cregganconroe and Inishiative will not only provide a significant boost to Northern Ireland’s renewable energy capacity, they will also generate jobs, in particular 55 full time and part time construction jobs throughout the development phase, support increased workforce skills and provide economic activity to the area.”

Mr McClughan added: “Gaelectric has completed an extensive consultation programme to update local communities on the Cregganconroe and Inishiative projects and two locally administered community funds amounting to something in the region of £632,000 (Cregganconroe - £345k / Inishiative - £287k) will be established in 2016 to support community projects in the area.”